Statement in response to Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address

The Governor's commitment to increase investment in affordable housing underscores the direness of the affordability crisis New Yorkers are enduring, and is welcomed. However, we urge the Governor and legislature to prioritize housing preservation and dedicate the $250M resources specifically to at-risk subsidized affordable housing. As mounting financial pressures threaten the stability and affordability of our existing subsidized affordable housing stock, the State must step in to protect this public resource and the residents who depend on it.

We likewise appreciate the Governor highlighting the need for stronger penalties in response to tenant harassment, and encourage an equal commitment to maintain the critical protections of the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act for all rent stabilized tenants.

While we fully support the proposed expansion of SCRIE and DRIE access, which tenants and advocates have long called for, we also encourage the Governor and the legislature to simultaneously increase funding for the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP). We need to bring every tool to bear to prevent eviction and help end the homelessness crisis.